Bills Will Reunite with LB Star to Bolster Linebacker Depth

Buffalo, NY – May 1, 2025

The Buffalo Bills are set to reunite with linebacker Tyler Matakevich, signing the former special teams ace to a one-year, $1.5 million deal, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Returning after a 2024 stint with Pittsburgh, Matakevich will deepen Josh Allen’s linebacker corps, addressing concerns over Matt Milano’s injury history.

Matakevich, 32, played four seasons with the Bills from 2020-2023, logging 75 tackles and earning a 2020 Pro Bowl nod as a special teamer. With James Cook’s $15 million contract dispute unresolved, Brandon Beane’s budget-friendly move leverages $7.3 million from cuts like Dane Jackson to fortify a linebacker unit led by Milano and Terrel Bernard.

“Matakevich’s a culture fit,” Beane told The Buffalo News’ Ryan O’Halloran. “He stabilizes Allen’s defense.”

In 2024, Matakevich played 17 games for the Steelers, recording 12 tackles and a 70.4 PFF special teams grade. His versatility and leadership, honed during Buffalo’s 2020-2022 playoff runs, make him a valuable depth piece behind Milano, who missed 15 games since 2023. Cook’s 1,086 rushing yards will pair with a sturdier front seven.

“He’s a Mafia favorite,” said NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks. “Matakevich boosts Allen’s Super Bowl push.”

With a $5.3 million cap, Beane’s signing ensures flexibility while addressing a thin linebacker room, especially after Baylon Spector’s departure. Matakevich’s return, alongside 2025 draftees like Maxwell Hairston, strengthens Sean McDermott’s defense, setting the Bills up for a 2025 title run.